Arlen Cecil Elkins

Arlen Cecil Elkins, 71, passed away on September 29, 2024, at Liberty Hospital after several years of health issues. He was surrounded by love and family. 

Born on February 1, 1953, to Arthur C. and Nellie M. Elkins, Arlen was enthusiastically welcomed home by his big sister Gwen, who he called Dee. Arlen attended Hale Cook Elementary (from where he later purchased a home one block away) and in 1971 graduated from Southwest High School. 

From a very young age Arlen loved photography and, in his youth, traveled to Chicago with his mother to take pictures of the city’s diverse architecture. Arlen was able to parlay this interest into a fulfilling career traveling the world for companies including Opti-Copy where he would install and train in the use of large industrial cameras. He particularly loved Brazil, Australia and Singapore. In February of 1992, Arlen married Susie Foo Elkins who lived in Singapore.

Arlen loved spending time with his dad, going to thrift stores (even though his dad said “I didn’t ever see anything that I couldn’t live without”) and going to lunch together every Saturday, where they would take turns paying. After his dad’s passing, Arlen continued his love of thrifting and would pick up so many things for others – exotic masks and once around Christmas bought 30 some albums for his dear friend Clif. He loved meeting his friends for Asian or Mexican and for many years continued this tradition of meeting friends out for Saturday and Wednesday meals. 

His love of travel and vehicles merged with several motorcycle trips with his brother-in-law Randy, including making memories traveling the countryside of England. 

For these last years in which Arlen’s health was particularly unwell, his friends were amazing in their support. The family cannot adequately express our gratitude especially, but not limited to, Clif Hall, Carla Hanson and Peter Kristensen. Friends were family to Arlen.

Arlen is survived by his sister Dee (Randy) Burch, his niece Jessica (Vince) Pastorino and their sons Nico and Mateo and his nephew Jake (Jenifer) Burch and their children Kyle, Tatum and Donte. 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there will be no more crying or pain. Revelation 21:4

At Arlen’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation. Arlen loved dogs immensely, including his former dogs Darla and Lulu, therefore memorial donations may be made to KCPaws.org or KC Paws at 9833 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.